Add a shadow to text or a shape in PowerPoint 2016 for Mac

You can apply a variety of shadow styles to objects, such as shapes, pictures, or text, in PowerPoint 2016 for Mac. Shadow options include outer shadows, inner shadows, and perspective shadows (also known as drop shadows). The key is to find the right Format and Effects menus for the type of object you're working with.

Add a shadow to a shape

Click the shape.

Tip: To add a shadow to multiple shapes at once, click the first shape, and then press and hold Shift while you click the other shapes.

On the Shape Format tab, click Shape Effects, point to Shadow, and then click the shadow you want.

Tip: To customize the shadow (by setting options such as transparency, size, and color), click Shadow Options at the bottom of the shadow menu.

Add a shadow to a picture

Click the picture.

Tip: To add a shadow to multiple pictures at once, click the first picture, and then press and hold Shift while you click the other pictures.

On the Picture Format tab, click Picture Effects, point to Shadow, and then click the shadow you want.

Tip: To customize the shadow (by setting options such as transparency, size, and color), click Shadow Options at the bottom of the shadow menu.

Add a shadow to text

Select the text or WordArt text that you want to add a shadow to.

On the Shape Format tab, click Text Effects, point to Shadow, and then click the shadow you want.

Tips:

To customize the shadow (by setting options such as transparency, size, and color), click Shadow Options at the bottom of the shadow menu.

Inner and Outer shadow effects might not be visible with very dark text. Try changing the color of the text or applying a Perspective shadow style.